Gooseberries Kafe is a gem, and one of the best cafes in Hillcrest. As an outdoor cafe it creates a particularly cozy, natural setting that’s not so easy to find in combination. Not too mention it offers some of the friendliest, most welcoming service we have experienced in San Diego. Oh, and the food is homemade and delicious. What’s not to like?

Location: Hillcrest neighborhood, 3776 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Right below the Abpopa Hotel.

How much do we like it?

We would go out of our way for this place

See or rating scale here.

Why We Like Gooseberries Kafe

You’ll notice how unique this place is as soon as you walk up. It is located on the bottom floor of a hotel (Abpopa Hillcrest), in a space that we assume was meant to be a parking garage, but has been craftily converted into an open-air cafe.

When you walk in the owners (Lee and Mel) will typically be working and always greet customers as if they have been your friends for years. Every time we go it feels nice to be welcomed so genuinely and their thoughtfulness and attention to service are felt throughout the whole time you are there.

Ordering at the bar, you will see delicious pastries in a display case, and by all means you can indulge in any of those tasty treats, but we think the breakfast they serve here is a highlight. Gooseberries Kafe offers a small menu of homemade biscuits and jam, avocado toast, egg sandwich with crispy prosciutto, French toast, and acai bowls, all of which we have tried and loved. It is some of the best breakfast in Hillcrest, for sure. Our favorite is the egg sandwich with crispy prosciutto. This is a top. Notch. Sandwich. The menu is just the right size that it is not overwhelming and allows every item to be made with care.

They of course serve coffee and espresso drinks here which are all expertly crafted and, should you feel up for it, they offer a select menu of beer and wine. They host live music every so often which adds to the ambiance.

Avocado toast with a fried egg and black coffee

The name Gooseberries Kafe comes from the little gooseberry you will always find on your plate (a.k.a. goldenberry or uchuva) which is their signature. Gooseberries are sour, tart and sweet. Like a peach, lemon, and cherry tomato combined.

Final Word

Gooseberries Kafe is fantastic and we go out of our way to come here. With homemade pastries, jams, breakfast, lunch, and drinks you will not be disappointed. Whether you want to cozy up and read a book, do some work on your laptop, or simply enjoy an excellent meal with top notch service, we highly recommend this little cafe in Hillcrest.